TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Unknowncabbage]

how rolling is dechert, idk whether to apply now or wait until after an event on the 2nd of oct but is that leaving it too late

Im in the same boat. To be honest, I think two weeks before the deadline will be fine even though they are rolling.

 

[c.t.tc]

Is TW test invite automatic?

No i don't think so - some people last year were rejected post-app

 

[cheeseontoast]

Does anyone know what are the reasons to get rejected from an open day? A rejection from an open day lowkey made me questioned my own capability tbh lol.

 

[hopeful33]

Does the Ashurst Cappfinity test have a video interview element?

 

[lawyersum]

Does the Ashurst Cappfinity test have a video interview element?

No it doesn't!

 

[norothrow324]

Is TW test invite automatic?

The website says “after screening you will receive a test invite” or something similar

 

[TCLA0322]

Anyone know what HSF test is this year? I know it has been a weird test in previous years.

Similar to the previous years one, but remove the verbal deduction- the test provider is SOVA. including SJT and personality test.

 

[SophiaW]

Does anyone know what are the reasons to get rejected from an open day? A rejection from an open day lowkey made me questioned my own capability tbh lol.

Honestly don't be disheartened. I know someone who got rejected for an open day but then received a TC offer from the same firm!

 

[broxia]

HSF social mobility open day pfo

 

[emily3827]

how many parts are in the ashurst test? is it just critical reasoning and behavioural

 

[RaniaH062002]

Just got rejected from the HSF Kramer open day is it even worth applying for their VS?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Just got rejected from the HSF Kramer open day is it even worth applying for their VS?

I got rejected to Open Day but I will still apply to VS. I have already wrote out the application so nothing to lose!!!

 

[lawstudent2]

Is the hogan lovells sjt automtic?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Is the hogan lovells sjt automtic?

I think so- website states stage 1 is application form + online immersive assessment, and stage 2 is job simulation assessment

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does the hogan lovells test include a watson glaser in it? Because last year their test was just the Watson glaser

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi - I'm applying for an open day at a firm that I also attended last year (but then did not go on to secure a training contract with). Is it okay to refer back to last year's open day when answering 'why would you like to attend the open day' eg. explaining what I found interesting at the open day and things the firm has done since then that I'm interested in learning more about, or would it be better not to reference it at all? I'm not sure if it would affect my chances by making it obvious that I attended an open day last year and didn't go on to get a TC!

Hi! There is nothing inherently wrong with it but they might not feel like you need another open day, so be sure to clearly explain what new aspects or developments you’re hoping to learn about this time. You can frame it positively by highlighting what you found interesting, what you learned, and what you’re curious to explore further this time around. Firms won’t assume you’re “less desirable” just because you previously attended an open day and didn’t get a TC — open days are designed for insight, not selection guarantees. Also, if you’ve already attended an open day for the firm, that is genuinely sufficient evidence of interest in your application, and it isn’t necessary to attend another to strengthen your app.

 

[ZNadeem]

is there much chance at success if applying for a vac scheme with a firm you got an open day rejection from, or is it still worth a shot

Hi! An open day and a vacation scheme application are evaluated separately. Open days are generally designed to give students insight into the firm and identify genuinely interested candidates, but attendance (or performance in the open day selection) isn’t a formal prerequisite for a vacation scheme. I was rejected from open days and went on to secure vacation schemes with those firms because firms recognise that a candidate can demonstrate genuine interest and suitability through a strong application, even without having attended the open day. In fact, most people who get AC will not have attended the open day due to various reasons.

A rejection from an open day often reflects the limited spaces rather than a judgment on your overall potential. When applying for the vacation scheme, your application will be assessed on your CV, experiences, commercial awareness, motivation for the firm, and how well you align with the qualities they are looking for in trainees.

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anyone know what are the reasons to get rejected from an open day? A rejection from an open day lowkey made me questioned my own capability tbh lol.

Hi! It’s not about your capability at all. Open day rejections usually come down to limited spots. Firms often have far more applicants than they can accommodate, so many strong candidates get turned away simply because of numbers. It doesn’t reflect poorly on your skills or potential—it’s just a logistical reality. I was rejected from open days and went on to secure vacation schemes with those firms because firms recognise that a candidate can demonstrate genuine interest and suitability through a strong application, even without having attended the open day. In fact, most people who get AC will not have attended the open day due to various reasons.

 

[noahsmiit01]

how rolling is dechert, idk whether to apply now or wait until after an event on the 2nd of oct but is that leaving it too late

Yeh same here, have you received the invitation for their event?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

how rolling is dechert, idk whether to apply now or wait until after an event on the 2nd of oct but is that leaving it too late

Same here
And I have no clue whether to just send it off or wait until after the 2nd